Tradition meets transformation — that was the spirit when Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon) lit up with brilliance and pride on Saturday, November 29, for its 87th Speech and Prize-Giving Day. The event, coordinated by the dynamic Ɔdadeɛ 2000 Year Group (Y2K), brought together an impressive gathering of old boys, dignitaries, clergy, and proud parents, all reflecting on the past while envisioning a stronger future for the renowned institution.
The guest of honour, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa — himself a product of PRESEC — delivered a stirring address, describing the invitation from the class just one year behind his own as both “humbling and deeply meaningful.” His speech revolved around the theme, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Shaping Future Leaders Through Discipline and Academic Excellence.” Ablakwa reminded the audience that PRESEC’s heritage is more than a name or building — it is a living force of faith, rigour, and moral uprightness. “To celebrate PRESEC,” he said, “is to celebrate a legacy built on Presbyterian values — discipline, learning, and integrity that transcend generations.”
But here’s where it got thought-provoking — Ablakwa touched on the ongoing national friction concerning religion in mission schools. He cautioned that Ghana’s long-standing interfaith peace, nurtured through shared school experiences, must never be lost. Drawing from his own days at PRESEC in 1997, he recalled how young men from different regions and surnames coexisted in harmony. “Our boarding school system,” he stressed, “remains the strongest medicine against division and tribal prejudice.”
He then challenged the audience: “Why are we obsessed with doctrinal control when the real question is whether our schools produce ethical, visionary leaders? Why have we allowed moral decline to outpace educational success?” That moment drew murmurs of agreement — and perhaps discomfort — across the crowd.
Reflecting on his own journey, Ablakwa credited PRESEC’s environment for shaping his disciplined mindset and leadership drive. He linked many of his policy achievements — from introducing chip-embedded passports to negotiating better foreign service terms — directly to the values instilled in his alma mater. As a gesture of encouragement, he presented 47 brand-new laptops to all students who achieved eight A’s in the 2024 WASSCE, promising international travel opportunities to top achievers in 2025.
Faith, tolerance, and modern challenges
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, addressed another sensitive topic: the relationship between mission schools and Muslim students. His message was clear — Ghana’s legacy of religious harmony stands as an example to the world. Sharing his experiences from academic engagements abroad, he noted how unusual it is for nations to enjoy the kind of mutual respect that exists between faith groups in Ghana. He cited examples such as the National Chief Imam’s visit to a Catholic Church on his 100th birthday and the Ga Presbytery’s annual Ramadan visit to the Chief Imam — vivid symbols of religious unity.
Rev. Opare Kwakye urged both faith-based schools and students of diverse religions to act with mutual respect. “It is essential,” he said, “that those who seek education in mission schools honor the ethos of those institutions, even as schools ensure fairness to all.”
A proud legacy under pressure
However, not all was celebration. The Headmaster, Mr. David Odjidja, in his candid address, spotlighted significant challenges the school faces. Despite support from the government, alumni, and the Presbyterian Church, PRESEC is struggling with overcrowding and infrastructure deficits. “Furniture is scarce in classrooms, dormitories, and even the dining hall,” he revealed. “We simply don’t have enough space for basic activities — from assemblies to services — which often have to be held outdoors. When it rains, the program ends abruptly.”
He further noted shortages in staff accommodation and teaching personnel, explaining that monitoring over 4,000 students in a double-track system is becoming nearly impossible. Even more concerning, half of the school’s six laboratories remain locked due to lack of equipment. “We received three labs from the church and three from the government — but without tools and furniture, they’re empty shells,” he admitted.
Looking ahead, the headmaster outlined PRESEC’s ambitious roadmap toward a single-track system by 2027–2028. The institution urgently requires a 48-unit classroom block, a 2,000-bed dormitory, a 3,000-seat dining hall, a 6,000-seat auditorium, 15 fully equipped science laboratories, and six computer labs. “Government alone can’t carry this weight,” Mr. Odjidja said, appealing passionately to old boys and corporate partners for support.
Government’s endorsement and student honors
Representing the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Prof. N. S. Kofi Davis, a Ministry official commended PRESEC for embodying discipline and excellence. She noted that PRESEC’s triumphs — including the National Science and Maths Quiz and the 2025 Renewable Energy Challenge title — prove the school’s consistency in producing innovative problem solvers.
She reminded students that discipline and leadership must coexist: “Leadership without discipline is chaotic, but discipline without purpose achieves nothing.” Addressing the graduating class, she emphasized that excellence extends beyond grades to curiosity, teamwork, and courage to question long-held assumptions. The Ministry, she affirmed, remains committed to educational reforms — building infrastructure, expanding STEM and TVET programs, and enhancing teacher training.
During the awards segment, exceptional first- and second-year students received recognition for academic and athletic excellence. The highlight, of course, was the presentation of laptops and certificates to the 47 eight-A achievers.
A legacy renewed
The grand finale came when the Ɔdadeɛ Y2K group unveiled their legacy project — a beautifully refurbished dining hall, symbolizing continuity between past and present generations. As applause filled the air, one idea lingered: PRESEC’s story is far from over — it is evolving.
But here’s the question many left pondering: As Ghana’s foremost mission schools like PRESEC navigate between tradition, inclusivity, and modernization, what should take precedence — preserving faith-based identity or adapting to a pluralistic, secular age? Share your thoughts — where do you stand in this delicate balance of heritage and progress?
